ARC 2086C

ARC 2086C

NATURAL RESOURCE COMMISSION[571]

Adopted and Filed

Pursuant to the authority of Iowa Code sections 455A.5(6), 481A.38, 481A.39, 481A.48(1), 483A.8, 483A.8B, 483A.8C, 483A.24, and 483A.24B, the Natural Resource Commission hereby amends Chapter 106, "Deer Hunting by Residents," Iowa Administrative Code.

Chapter 106 sets regulations for deer hunting by residents and includes season dates, bag limits, possession limits, shooting hours, areas open to hunting, licensing procedures, means and methods of take, and transportation and reporting requirements.

The adopted amendments:

1.Keep the antlerless-deer-only license quotas the same for 2015. The regulation changes enacted for the 2014 season appear to have stabilized deer numbers at the levels agreed to in 2009 by the Deer Study Advisory Group (DSAG). The DSAG was created to review, analyze, and make recommendations on issues relating to the state's deer population;

2.Amend the requirement for the type of broadhead for use with crossbows during the late muzzleloader season to be the same as that required for archery equipment during the regular bow season; and

3.Clarify which professionals are considered attending physicians for purposes of signing the affidavit needed to obtain a disabled hunter license. The amendment clarifies that a medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner may certify the form.

Notice of Intended Action was published in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin on June 10, 2015, as ARC 2031C. A public hearing was held on June 30, 2015. Eleven written comments were received from the public during the comment period. Eight of the comments supported the proposed changes. Three comments expressed concern that deer numbers were increasing and that regulations should be liberalized. No changes were made to the Notice.

These amendments will have a neutral impact on jobs in the state. The following types of jobs are positively impacted by deer hunting generally and should see no noticeable change due to this rule making: hunting equipment retailers (weapons, ammunition, clothing, chairs, stands, binoculars, and other supporting equipment); field guides and outfitters; taxidermists; and restaurants, hotels, and gas stations for hunters traveling around the state.

These amendments are intended to implement Iowa Code sections 481A.38, 481A.39, 481A.48(1), 483A.8, 483A.8B, 483A.8C, 483A.24 and 483A.24B.

These amendments shall become effective September 9, 2015.

The following amendments are adopted.

Item 1. Amend subrule 106.6(6) as follows:

106.6(6) Antlerless-deer-only licenses. Paid antlerless-deer-only licenses will be available by county for the 2014 2015 deer season as follows:

Item 2. Amend subrule 106.7(3) as follows:

106.7(3) Muzzleloader seasons. Only muzzleloading rifles and muzzleloading pistols will be permitted for taking deer during the early muzzleloader season. During the late muzzleloader season, deer may be taken with a muzzleloader, centerfire handgun, crossbow or bow as described in 106.7(1). Muzzleloading rifles are defined as flintlock or percussion cap lock muzzleloaded rifles and muskets of not less than .44 and not larger than .775 caliber, shooting single projectiles only. Centerfire handguns must be .357 caliber or larger shooting straight-walled cartridges propelling an expanding-type bullet (no full-metal jacket) and complying with all other requirements provided in Iowa Code section 481A.48. Legal handgun calibers are listed on the department of natural resources list of acceptable handgun calibers for hunting deer in Iowa. Revolvers, pistols and black powder handguns must have a 4-inch minimum barrel length. There can be no shoulder stock or long-barrel modifications to handguns. Muzzleloading handguns must be .44 caliber or larger, shooting single projectiles only. Crossbow means a weapon consisting of a bow mounted transversely on a stock or frame and designed to fire a bolt, arrow, or quarrel by the release of the bow string, which is controlled by a mechanical trigger and a working safety. Crossbows equipped with pistol grips and designed to be fired with one hand are illegal for taking or attempting to take deer. All projectiles used in conjunction with a crossbow for deer hunting must be equipped with a broadhead with at least three blades.

Item 3. Amend paragraph 106.10(1)"b" as follows:

b. Severely disabled hunt. Any severely disabled Iowa resident meeting the requirements of Iowa Code section 321L.1(8) may be issued one general deer license to hunt deer during the youth season. A person applying for this license must either possess a disability parking permit or provide a completed form from the department of natural resources. The form must be signed by a physician verifying that the person's disability meets the criteria defined in Iowa Code section 321L.1(8). The attending physician shall be currently practicing medicine and shall be a medical doctor, a doctor of osteopathy, a physician assistant, or a nurse practitioner. Forms are available online at www.iowadnr.gov, by visiting the DNR office at the Wallace State Office Building, Des Moines, Iowa, or any district office, or by calling (515)281-5918 725-8200. A person between 16 and 65 years of age must also possess a regular hunting license and have paid the habitat fee to obtain a license (if normally required to have a hunting license and to pay the habitat fee to hunt). A severely disabled person obtaining this license may obtain any other paid and free general deer and antlerless-deer-only licenses that are available to other hunters. Antlerless-deer-only licenses must be obtained in the same manner by which other hunters obtain them, as described in 106.6(2).

[Filed 7/17/15, effective 9/9/15]

[Published 8/5/15]

Editor's Note: For replacement pages for IAC, see IAC Supplement 8/5/15.